It's about time, but it's too bad you can't send someone to jail for stupidity

It's about time,
but it's too bad you can't send someone to jail for stupidity

With all the stories about damage and theft from houses that were going into foreclosure, or in foreclosure, it was only a matter of time before one of the lenders decided to take action.

Up in Murrieta, about 75 miles from San Diego, a husband and wife pled not guilty to damage and theft from an "encumbered property." The husband is a former Marine and a current San Diego police officer. They are accused of causing $165,000 in damage and theft of $44,000 of property. The list of damage and theft from their 3,056-square-foot home is extensive:

• The front rock facade was ripped off the house.
• Electric wires were dug out of the walls and cut.
• A flagstone walkway and porch were removed, as was the garage door, countertops, drawers, kitchen cabinet doors, the air conditioner, gates, and even wooden beams from the interior ceilings.

According to records, on May 21 a notice of sale was posted on the house and they had until June 14 to leave. On June 15, a representative of the lender called police when the damage and theft was discovered.

I don't know if they are guilty even though their attorney said that the couple had offered to return some of the property but that the lender refused. The American legal system says that they are innocent until proven guilty, and they will have their day in court. However, I didn't much care for their attorney, who also said, "How much does it cost to replace a little tile or to replace a counter top?" Too bad you can't send people to jail for stupidity.

I'm not an attorney, but I would think that if you have a house that has a mortgage on it, an "encumbered property," if the lender forecloses on your house, the house should be in the same condition as when they lent you the money to buy the house, normal wear and tear excluded.

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If you're looking for a great real estate agent in San Diego, well,
let me Google one for you.

I'm available 24/7, so feel free to contact me by phone or email.

Jim Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award Mission Valley
California DRE License #01458572
619-729-5701
jimfrimmer@century21award.com
Mission Valley Condos Information

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Try RusselRayPhotos.com for inexpensive, royalty-free photos.

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